2026 SPEAKERS
Caroline Laurenson
Caroline Laurenson
The Confidence Competence Paradox - how to break free from the better than average trap
Have you ever wondered why, when given a karaoke microphone, the average person thinks they’re Beyoncé, while people with true talent and expertise often doubt and censor themselves? Or why confidence is rewarded over competence?
Confidence does not equal competence, yet we confuse this both in our human interactions and now also in how we are using technology like AI. This talk exposes the Better Than Average Trap, the insecurity driving both overconfidence and underconfidence, and explores emerging research into AI adoption. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to question, trust your human abilities and stop chasing polished perfection.
INTERVIEW WITH CAROLINE
Your topic is called ‘The Confidence Competence Paradox’, can you describe this in more detail and share a bit about what you will be covering in your talk?
Confidence does not equal competence. However, we confuse this both in our human interactions and now also in how we use technology like AI. My talk will look at the relationship between confidence and competence and some of the emerging research into AI adoption.
What has made you so passionate about this topic? How does it relate to you or your background?
A big part of my work is promoting digital inclusion and helping to break down the barriers to tech adoption. I see directly how impactful AI can be at improving people’s quality of life, but also the way it can amplify the negatives like bias and inequality. There is a real fear of technology and people need support to build their confidence and understanding of how AI works.
What do you think people will gain from listening to your talk?
I hope that people leave with a bit more confidence to question and use their own judgement and to not feel that everything has to be polished and perfect.
How has your TEDxAberdeen journey been so far? Is there anything you’ve learned that you didn’t expect, or any highlights?
Given my topic of confidence, it is somewhat ironic how much my own confidence and my feelings around this have fluctuated. At this point, I am trying to trust the process and that I will be able to deliver an experience for the audience that helps them on their own technology journey.
What are you most looking forward to most on this journey? What are you hoping to get out of this?
Oh gosh, I wish I could say I’ve thought that far ahead. I’ve been on a bit of a journey over recent years, pushing myself out of my introverted comfort zone. Doing TEDx is the ultimate in exposure therapy, so I hope that from this I feel a bit more confident to share my work and viewpoints in front of larger audiences.
What does being part of TEDxAberdeen 2026 mean to you?
One thing I hadn’t fully appreciated is how insanely talented, beautiful and supportive my fellow TEDxAberdeen 2026 cohort would be. I may be biased, but the audience is going to be blown away by the stories, it will be a day that they will never forget. To be part of this is very special.